Illustration industry faces severe downturn as even seasoned professionals struggle to find work in 2025
By
Tom May
Toasted golden, schmeared with insight. Top of the rack.
Summary
The article examines the severe downturn in the illustration industry in 2025, where even established illustrators with years of experience and agent representation are struggling to find work. It highlights the widespread nature of the problem, with professionals reporting empty inboxes, ignored follow-ups, and dwindling income. The piece explores potential causes and the scale of the crisis affecting the creative community.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledI've officially dusted off the CV and am looking for full-time, paid work again. I've never known anything so quiet as this year.
Established professionals with years of successful freelancing behind them are suddenly finding their inboxes empty, their follow-ups ignored, and their income streams drying up to a trickle.
Even seasoned, successful illustrators with agent representation are struggling to get work at the moment.
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